The Small Business Awards serve as a platform to showcase the resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that drive small businesses forward. From innovative startups to established enterprises, this event shines a spotlight on the remarkable individuals and organizations who make a significant impact on their communities and industries.
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our awards program in 2024, as we partner with HASBAT and The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, and offer several new awards that are designed to recognize and celebrate excellence across a broader spectrum of industries and individuals.
We believe that by expanding our program to encompass these new categories, we can better reflect the multifaceted talents, achievements, and contributions of our small business community. This years categories include (new categories are indicated with an asterisk*):
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Arts & Recreation Business of the Year - The Arts and Recreation Business of the Year recognizes a business or nonprofit organization operating within the arts and recreation sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, creativity, and contribution to its industry and community. This award typically celebrates businesses such as art galleries, theaters, dance studios, music schools, recreational facilities, and other establishments that provide cultural enrichment and leisure activities.
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Community Impact Award* - The Community Impact Award is presented to a small business that has made significant contributions to its local community through various initiatives, programs, and activities. This award celebrates small businesses that prioritize giving back to the community and actively engage in activities that make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and the overall community.
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Construction Industry Business of the Year - The Construction Industry Business of the Year is presented to a company operating within the construction industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and contributions to the sector and community. This award recognizes companies involved in various aspects of the construction industry, including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers.
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Emerging Business of the Year - The Emerging Business of the Year Award is presented to a recently established company (less than 3 years old by September 12, 2024) that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and potential for success within its industry or market. This award typically celebrates businesses that have shown promising signs of development and have made significant strides in establishing themselves as emerging leaders in their respective fields.
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Engineering & Defense Business of the Year (Small, Medium, and Large) - The Engineering and Defense Business of the Year Award is presented to a company operating within the engineering and defense sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to its industry and national security. This award typically celebrates businesses involved in engineering, manufacturing, technology development, and defense contracting. There are three awards in this category, based on size: Small - <100, Medium 101-300, Large 301+ Employees.
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Health/Social Services Business of the Year - The Health and Social Services Business of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition presented to a company or organization operating within the health and social services sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to the well-being of individuals and communities. This award typically celebrates businesses and organizations that provide healthcare, social services, mental health support, rehabilitation services, and other related services.
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Hospitality Business of the Year - The Hospitality Business of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade presented to a company or establishment operating within the hospitality industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to the guest experience and overall industry. This award typically recognizes businesses such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, cafes, event venues, and tourism-related businesses.
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Minority-Owned Business of the Year - The Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51% owned and operated by individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups. This award celebrates the achievements, contributions, and resilience of minority entrepreneurs and small business owners, highlighting their innovation, leadership, and positive impact on their communities and industries.
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Nonprofit of the Year - The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional performance, impact, and innovation in fulfilling its mission and serving its community. This award celebrates the contributions of nonprofit organizations in addressing social, environmental, or humanitarian challenges and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
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Professional/Technical Services Business of the Year - The Professional Services Business of the Year is presented to a company operating within the professional services sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, excellence in service delivery, and significant contributions to its industry and community. This award typically recognizes businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, consulting firms, architectural firms, and other similar enterprises that provide specialized services to clients.
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Retailer of the Year - The Retailer of the Year award recognizes a retail establishment that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction within its industry. This award celebrates excellence in retailing across various dimensions, including but not limited to sales growth, customer service, product selection, marketing initiatives, and community engagement.
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Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award (Individual Award) - The Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, strategic vision, and significant contributions to their organization, industry, and community. This award celebrates executives who have displayed outstanding leadership skills and have made a lasting impact through their vision, innovation, and dedication.
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Small Business Champion of the Year (Individual Award)* - The Small Business Champion of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding support, advocacy, and dedication to the small business community. This award celebrates champions who have made significant contributions to the success and growth of small businesses through advocacy, mentorship, education, or other forms of support.
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Veteran-Owned Business of the Year - The Veteran-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51% owned and operated by a military veteran who served in the armed forces. This award celebrates the contributions, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit of veterans who have transitioned from military service to successful business ownership.
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Woman-Owned Business of the Year - The Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51%owned and operated by a woman. This award celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit of women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional success and impact in their respective industries.
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Young Professional of the Year (Individual Award) - The Young Professional of the Year Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and contributions to their profession or industry at a relatively young age (40 years of age or younger by September 12, 2024). This award celebrates the accomplishments and potential of young professionals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary performance, innovation, and dedication to excellence.